The New York Yankees are already without star second baseman DJ LeMahieu due to the coronavirus. Now, All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman will be joining him with an indefinite absence after testing positive for COVID-19.
New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman tests positive for COVID-19
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Saturday that star closer Aroldis Chapman tested positive for COVID-19. Worse yet for the club and Chapman, he is experiencing mild symptoms and will be out indefinitely.
The 32-year-old southpaw is coming off another outstanding season in New York’s bullpen. The AL Reliever of the Year this past season, Chapman posted a 2.21 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP with 37 saves during the 2019 regular season.
Given Opening Day is set for July 23, with the Yankees facing the Washington Nationals, it’s unlikely that Chapman can return to the mound before then. In his absence, Zack Britton could step in as the team’s closer.
What MLB players have coronavirus?
Unfortunately, the coronavirus has spread rather quickly across MLB clubhouses. Chapman became the latest Yankees’ player to test positive and joins a growing list of peers across MLB who have COVID-19.
- New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and pitcher Luis Cessa tested positive.
- San Diego Padres infielder Jorge Mateo contracted the virus.
- Oakland Athletics star Jesus Luzardo tested positive for the virus.
- Multiple Boston Red Sox players, including ace Eduardo Rodriguez, have COVID-19.
- Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman, along with three teammates, tested positive for the virus.
- Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez is isolating after contracting the virus.
More than 60 players have already tested positive for COVID-19 and the league is seeing new cases almost daily. Given another club was forced to cancel workouts due to potential exposure to the virus, the questions over the MLB season happening remain more prevalent than ever.